Southern California Rattled by Two Earthquakes in Less Than 24 Hours

MALIBU, Calif. — A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck Southern California on March 9, 2025, at 1:03 p.m. Pacific time, according to the United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.). The tremor was centered approximately seven miles southwest of Westlake Village and 8.6 miles southwest of Agoura Hills. As of now, there were no reports of injuries or infrastructure damage.

Following this quake, a magnitude 3.3 aftershock occurred early the next morning at 2:23 a.m. and was centered about 7.4 miles northwest of Malibu and 8 miles southwest of Thousand Oaks. The aftershock was recorded at a depth of 7 miles, further demonstrating the region’s seismic activity.

Seismologist Lucy Jones of Caltech noted that Sunday’s magnitude 4.1 earthquake was part of a persistent pattern of seismic activity in Southern California, which has seen a remarkable increase in moderate earthquakes since last year. In 2024 alone, the region experienced a record 15 seismic sequences, each including at least one earthquake of magnitude 4.0 or higher. This marks the highest annual total observed in 65 years.

“Sunday’s quake was the first magnitude 4 earthquake for Southern California in 2025,” Jones stated, highlighting the significance of the event. “The Malibu area has experienced three earthquakes larger than magnitude 4 in just the last 13 months.”

Following the initial quake on Sunday, smaller aftershocks were detected, including magnitudes of 2.5 at 1:04 p.m., 3.0 at 1:07 p.m., and 2.8 shortly thereafter. Experts have clarified that aftershocks can follow a larger earthquake and may vary in intensity.

According to Susan Hough, a seismologist with U.S.G.S., there remains no reliable method to predict when a significant earthquake may impact Southern California again. “Seismologists have spent decades trying to read the tea leaves to look for patterns; however, statistically meaningful indicators have not been found,” Hough said.

Despite the lack of predictability, experts emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness, especially since many Californians live in high-risk seismic zones. The recent quakes are a reminder of California’s notorious seismic landscape, reinforcing the sentiment that the state could experience another larger quake.

The region has a history of significant earthquakes, with past events recorded as high as magnitude 5.5 near Malibu. On January 18, 1989, an earthquake struck eight miles southeast of Malibu Point, injuring several individuals and causing minor structural damage.

With Southern California’s fault systems being interconnected, seismologists caution that a single seismic event could lead to greater ruptures. “Earthquakes can indeed reach up to a magnitude 8 in the Malibu area,” said U.S.G.S. geophysicist Morgan Page, emphasizing the risks associated with the region.

In addition to economic and human impact, recent data indicates that the seismic network implemented in Southern California has served the vital purpose of monitoring patterns and frequencies of earthquakes. However, the unpredictability of significant seismic events remains a challenge for scientists.

In light of these tremors, residents are reminded of the importance of earthquake readiness through initiatives like the L.A. Times’ newsletter, Unshaken, aimed at preparing individuals for potential major earthquakes in California.